WHAT WE DO

VISITORS

WHAT HAPPENS ON A SUNDAY MORNING?

What you can expect if you visit us.

We have visitors and guests in our Sunday morning gatherings every week, and we do our best to help everyone feel really welcomed and ‘at home’ amongst us. Some frequently asked questions are set out below, to help you know what to expect if you are planning to come along.

WHAT TIME DO THE MEETINGS START....

...... and what happens?

Our Sunday morning celebration begins at 10:30 a.m. Stewards and greeters will be at the main entrance from 10.00 a.m. to direct you to where you need to go. The meeting will normally finish around 12:15. At the end of the meeting you are welcome to stay and chat over free refreshments, biscuits and sometimes cake!

What is the worship like?

Come and encounter the presence of God

We start at 10.30 am and enjoy contemporary praise and worship with all ages together for around half an hour. following this the children (all infant & juniors) are escorted to their own special time of teaching and activities. We will give clear direction from the front of the meeting when it is time for the children to go to their groups - either through a message on the projector screen or from the meeting leader. Some people ask whether we are a ‘happy clappy’ church? Well the short and simple answer is .. Yes …and No! We certainly think ‘happy and cheerful’ is better than being ‘miserable,boring and dull’, yet you will find in our worship that there are moments when we can also be quieter and reflective. We enjoy and look forward to the family of the church particiapting and contributing into our times of praise and worship.

WHO ATTENDS

All kinds of people, just like you!

It would be easier to say who doesn’t! We have young and old, single and married, those with and without children, students and people from all kinds of backgrounds and nationalities. We are a ‘family of friends’ and are sure you will feel right at home.

What is there for babies and toddlers?

You are very welcome to bring your baby with you into the service or take advantage of our reception area with its live TV link to the meeting, if you need to feed baby or just "have a break" to sooth or calm your child. There are baby changing facilities in the toilet for the disabled. In the second part of our meeting you can sign in and register your child with the crèche or choose to stay with your child. If you do leave your child and he/she needs you during the service, one of the Children’s team will come and find you. We operate a strict ‘sign-in/sign-out’ policy and all of our children’s team are CRB checked.

What is there for children?

We have great groups for all ages. There is a creche, 3 – 6s, 7s – 11(Year 6) and then there is a teen group for 11 – 16 years old. The children usually go to their classes midway through the first part of our meeting - the youth sometimes stay in for our "second half". Your children will go and enjoy interactive classes that teach God’s word in a relevant way and of course there are games, laughter and the opportunity to make new friends.

We have policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety and well being of all children in our care. Anyone who wishes to work with babies, children and youth at The Community Church has to undergo a CRB check to ensure their suitability. All of our volunteers are trusted and love working with children and youth to help them grow in life, faith and in their walk with God.

What is there for teenagers?

On Sunday, teenagers (Year 7 to Year 11) sometimes stay in for the second half and at other times have their own teen group meeting. There will be clear direction given from the front as to when the youth are going out but you are more than welcome to stay in the adult meeting if you prefer. For more details about our teens activities look at our Youth section under the “What we do” tab on our homepage.

Will there be an offering?

Yes – we take up an offering each week. However, this is for church members and there is no expectation that guests should contribute.

Are there disabled facilities?

Yes. There are parking spaces for blue badge holders outside the main doors to the church building. We have easy access ramps to all our buildings on site – The Meeting Place and The Family Life Centre – our stewards and welcome team will be happy to offer any further assistance you may need. We also have a disabled restroom in each of the buildings on site and a hearing loop for those who require it. Both adults and children with Special Educational Needs attend The Community Church and it’s our aim to ensure all aspects of church life are accessible to disabled and able bodied, alike.

Is there a dress code?

Yes... please wear something!

At The Community Church you can come just as you are. You will see people in suits or dresses as well as jeans and t-shirts. We want you to feel comfortable and at home.

WHERE DO I PARK MY CAR?

When you arrive at The Family Life Centre, There are a number of parking spaces on site although the spaces closest to the church building are reserved for disabled badge holders or those with special needs. If you need one of these spaces just ring the office during the week and we’ll arrange to reserve a spot for you. If the carpark is full, there is plenty of on-street free parking in the roads surrounding the building but please park with consideration for our neighbours who need access to all their driveways… thanks!